Diary of a farang in Isaan

[Momofarang]

57 minutes ago, geronimo said:

I'm a publisher, send it over when finished .....

I am a reader ....

[geronimo]

2 minutes ago, Momofarang said:

I am a reader ....

Then we go together like bread and butter .....

[zyphodb]

Good topic OP, enjoyable...

[owl sees all]

Owl log; 19-11-2019

 

The music has finally stopped and replaced by chanting monks.

 

The wife came home about 2 in the morning. She said she'd been chanting, eating, and praying, but I reckon she was playing cards and drinking. The only praying she did was for a good hand.

 

Saw the daughter off to school this morning. As Mrs Owl couldn't get up, I had to make her breakfast. Put some sausages in the microwave and gave her a chocolate milk drink. Popped a tube of pringles into her school bag for later.

 

I'm hopeless in the kitchen. probably because I've been spoilt by so many wonderful women in the past

 

Misses still sleeping (9 am). 

 

Going outside shortly to set the outside fire and brew up my reishi mushrooms.

 

I'll be off to the farm later to feed the fish, and generally potter about. I'm really bothered about the durian tree. It's lost all of it's leaves and doesn't look healthy.

 

A little bit annoyed with myself for forgetting to buy the potting mix for the little avocado trees. About 5 months ago I set up 4 with the tooth-pick method. Two deteriorated quickly and the other two did nothing for three months. I was thinking it was a complete failure but suddenly they sprang into life. I'll take a couple of pics later.

 

Chanting stopped and music started up again.

[geronimo]

2 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Owl log; 19-11-2019

 

The music has finally stopped and replaced by chanting monks.

 

The wife came home about 2 in the morning. She said she'd been chanting, eating, and praying, but I reckon she was playing cards and drinking. The only praying she did was for a good hand.

 

Saw the daughter off to school this morning. As Mrs Owl couldn't get up, I had to make her breakfast. Put some sausages in the microwave and gave her a chocolate milk drink. Popped a tube of pringles into her school bag for later.

 

I'm hopeless in the kitchen. probably because I've been spoilt by so many wonderful women in the past

 

Misses still sleeping (9 am). 

 

Going outside shortly to set the outside fire and brew up my reishi mushrooms.

 

I'll be off to the farm later to feed the fish, and generally potter about. I'm really bothered about the durian tree. It's lost all of it's leaves and doesn't look healthy.

 

A little bit annoyed with myself for forgetting to buy the potting mix for the little avocado trees. About 5 months ago I set up 4 with the tooth-pick method. Two deteriorated quickly and the other two did nothing for three months. I was thinking it was a complete failure but suddenly they sprang into life. I'll take a couple of pics later.

 

Chanting stopped and music started up again.

It must be nice seeing all .....

[Outbackoz]

'A little bit annoyed with myself for forgetting to buy the potting mix for the little avocado trees. About 5 months ago I set up 4 with the tooth-pick method. Two deteriorated quickly and the other two did nothing for three months. I was thinking it was a complete failure but suddenly they sprang into life. I'll take a couple of pics later.'

 

Thanks for for the insight of life as you perceive it. Also had problems propagating Avo's from seed (normally done through tissue culture in Aust) took a while to get it right with immature plants post sprouting. Had brought some Shepherd Avo's back from oz and used a similar method for propagation with about a 30% success rate.   Growth was a little slower than expected but this one about 18 months old now 

w 

[Saltire]

Very interesting post thank you.

 

I know nothing about Issan other than what I read in TV which I am guessing many posts can be somewhat distorted from reality. Why does Issan (and Issan girls) get mentioned more than most other provinces? Purely as many more expats have settled there? Genuine questions, just curious.

 

If I was to go have a look around Issan just for a break, where would you recommend? Somewhere with good food and decent hotels.

 

Also your decription of village life mirrors mine in Kanchanaburi apart from the fact that we are clearing our land as opposed to growing stuff. My wife and I fortunately share a dislike of farming and growing stuff. We are very rural and it seems life in rural Thailand does not really vary too much accross the coutry? Not sure if people would agree.

 

100% agree life in rural Thailand is certainly a daily magical mystery tour. Long may it continue.

 

OP keep them coming, it's a nice change from the cynical crusty posters.

 

 

 

 

[thaibeachlovers]

On 11/18/2019 at 4:34 PM, owl sees all said:

The wife was on the loo and couldn't give rice to the monk the other day. She asked me to give it. No problem! But I didn't get on my knees; just called him over and tipped it into his pot. I got the 'thank you' verse all the same. Later, when the wife found out that I'd not even bowed my head she was not best amused. "You must not be higher than monk," said she.

You now have the perfect excuse not to give anything to the monks. Just say that you don't know how, and she should do it herself in future.

 

Last time my wife tried to pull the Thai culture malarkey on me was when I asked if she wanted a divorce.

[thaibeachlovers]

1 hour ago, Saltire said:

Why does Issan (and Issan girls) get mentioned more than most other provinces?

'cause more girls from Issan are hooking in Pattaya than any other province?

[BritManToo]

2 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

Last time my wife tried to pull the Thai culture malarkey on me was when I asked if she wanted a divorce.

I always tell the women that choose to live with me, if they want Thai culture they should find a Thai man to live with and accept the regular beatings he will deal out.

[BritManToo]

1 hour ago, Saltire said:

Why does Issan (and Issan girls) get mentioned more than most other provinces?

Because they make up 30% of the Thai population, there's more of them than from the other provinces.

[thaibeachlovers]

5 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

I always tell the women that choose to live with me, if they want Thai culture they should find a Thai man to live with and accept the regular beatings he will deal out.

My wife was forced by her father to marry the man who raped her. He then proceeded to spend her money on booze.

She was only able to get divorced because her father died.

Sadly, though I treated her well, she wanted everything

 

Like the song says: I gave her my heart but she wanted my soul, or in my case all my money for her family.

 

I don't think she is doing well without me though, too old to catch another farang.

[BritManToo]

9 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

I don't think she is doing well without me though, too old to catch another farang.

Most women don't seem to do that well after the divorce (unless they get a wealthier man).

No matter what country they came from, usually due to poor money management skills.

 

Someone should do a survey on divorced women 5 years later.

1. Did the divorce solve all the problems you thought it would?

2. Are you happier now than when you were married?

3. Do you think your lifestyle is better now?

4. Are you lonely in your house full of cats?

[Halfaboy]

.5 how did your money go....

[thaibeachlovers]

7 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Most women don't seem to do that well after the divorce (unless they get a wealthier man).

No matter what country they came from, usually due to poor money management skills.

 

Someone should do a survey on divorced women 5 years later.

1. Did the divorce solve all the problems you thought it would?

2. Are you happier now than when you were married?

3. Do you think your lifestyle is better now?

4. Are you lonely in your house full of cats?

My wife didn't want to get divorced, but even in her mind she must have understood it was broken and would never be OK again. I think she just wanted it over, all the arguing, the shouting, the throwing things around, the foul language. She didn't even want a pay off, which was lucky for me, but she probably thought I was broke anyway.

 

I used to say to her that I didn't recognise her as the sweet girl I married, and she wasn't, but thinking about it after, at the end I was pretty different myself. 

Sad really, two people who loved each other and were happy at the start slowly becoming alienated to the point they drive each other crazy and can't live together anymore. After all, no one would get married if they knew it would end badly.

Love, IMO, is like a flower. It doesn't last, but it can be preserved, or it can rot. 

 

[Aussiepeter]

We've had success with avocado trees here in Oz just by planting bags of compost with the huge seeds in them. In six years, we have several trees four metres high. Have a jackfruit tree but they grow too slow - at 67, I'll be dead before it fruits. My missus was a locksmith in LOS, but has turned out to have a real green thumb. That and the best volcanic soil on the planet - this area in nthn NSW is noted for growing 'wacky backy' (AKA grass or weed) but just about all Thai fruit and veg grows great here too. We left CM to get away from the smoke and, for our daughters' education. Love reading about owls farm - it sounds a lot like our sort of place. Nothin' like growing your own food - free 'fertiliser' too, from big dairy next door. Great quality milk, locally. Drought here terrible though, water tanks 3/4 empty, plus the last four weeks can hardly breathe, 'cos the air is full of smoke from nearby bushfires. Reminds us of our old home in Saraphi ! We heard today that the local fire was caused by a guy who started a back-burn on a day of a total fire ban, in order to save his ganja crop ! What a turd - his antics have destroyed dozens of homes and burnt out thousands of acres, plus his ganja went up too. He will spend a long time in the big house for that little doozy. Wifey says she ain't ever going home to Thailand. Suspect she means it, (worse luck). 

[freebyrd]

On 11/18/2019 at 10:41 AM, JustAnotherFarang said:

He might mean what he said.........just wants to get things of his tits

Or milk it for all its worth?

[sawadee1947]

I enjoy to read your stories. 

I wish "Rooster " will read it too and ask you to replace him on his boring Sunday column. 

Please go on writing. You got talent to catch us who are not Isaan fellows. 

Thank you again ????????

[owl sees all]

Owl Log 19-11-2019

 

It's now just three in the afternoon and the wife has arisen from her deep slumber. She doesn't want to go to the farm today, too tired. Too late for me as well now, as I could easily spend a couple of hours pottering about and miss Mildred coming home from school. 

 

Not to worry; I've done bit of snapping and posted them here.

 

++++++++

 

Firstly, the two avacado trees that I'm growing. They are very 'leggy', but I'll harden them off some more before potting. Probably a couple more weeks.

 

 

++++++++

 

The reishi is finished and will give me three litres of wine to consume for the next few days, when I've mixed it with the Lao khow of course. It's very strong this time as I put fresh mushroom in for this boil.

 

 

And what a lovely brown brew it is too.

 

++++++++

 

The rosella: getting to learn more and more about the rosella system. We have 30 rai spare, and at the moment unsure what to grow.

 

Pic #1 Preparing the flower by removing the seed pod.

Pic #2 Drying the rosella (that's my shadow;  not some daytime peelaw). 

Pic #3 Bagged up.

Pic #4 Drying the seed pods.

 

 

 

 

 

The lowdown on the rosella is as follows. The lady reckons on harvesting 300 kilos from her 4 rai. At 100 baht a kilo. Easier to grow than rice but post-harvest there are many days ahead; de-podding, drying and bagging up. Very interesting this, especially if this drought cycle continues for more seasons. A lot of the Ozzies out there would know about rosella already.

 

The rice harvest has been awful. 50% down for many and and some such as us simply wiped out. Must give rosella some serious thought.

 

++++++++

 

The music has stopped. Everything packed away, and it's quiet again. Until the next birth, death, jump the broom (sorry wrong part of the world) or decent lottery win.

 

That's it for today guys. 

[Bredbury Blue]

Very enjoyable Owl, keep it going. 

 

Lots more pics please (avoid adding personal pics of you/family as there'll always be someone with rude comments).

 

Incidentally which province are you in exactly (apologies if you already stated). Assuming it's Nong Khai.

[GreasyFingers]

4 hours ago, thaibeachlovers said:

My wife didn't want to get divorced, but even in her mind she must have understood it was broken and would never be OK again. I think she just wanted it over, all the arguing, the shouting, the throwing things around, the foul language. She didn't even want a pay off, which was lucky for me, but she probably thought I was broke anyway.

 

I used to say to her that I didn't recognise her as the sweet girl I married, and she wasn't, but thinking about it after, at the end I was pretty different myself. 

Sad really, two people who loved each other and were happy at the start slowly becoming alienated to the point they drive each other crazy and can't live together anymore. After all, no one would get married if they knew it would end badly.

Love, IMO, is like a flower. It doesn't last, but it can be preserved, or it can rot. 

 

Mate, had three of them back home but the local one is doing well. I hope it lasts.

[GreasyFingers]

1 hour ago, owl sees all said:

Owl Log 19-11-2019

 

It's now just three in the afternoon and the wife has arisen from her deep slumber. She doesn't want to go to the farm today, too tired. Too late for me as well now, as I could easily spend a couple of hours pottering about and miss Mildred coming home from school. 

 

Not to worry; I've done bit of snapping and posted them here.

 

++++++++

 

Firstly, the two avacado trees that I'm growing. They are very 'leggy', but I'll harden them off some more before potting. Probably a couple more weeks.

 

 

++++++++

 

The reishi is finished and will give me three litres of wine to consume for the next few days, when I've mixed it with the Lao khow of course. It's very strong this time as I put fresh mushroom in for this boil.

 

 

And what a lovely brown brew it is too.

 

++++++++

 

The rosella: getting to learn more and more about the rosella system. We have 30 rai spare, and at the moment unsure what to grow.

 

Pic #1 Preparing the flower by removing the seed pod.

Pic #2 Drying the rosella (that's my shadow;  not some daytime peelaw). 

Pic #3 Bagged up.

Pic #4 Drying the seed pods.

 

 

 

 

 

The lowdown on the rosella is as follows. The lady reckons on harvesting 300 kilos from her 4 rai. At 100 baht a kilo. Easier to grow than rice but post-harvest there are many days ahead; de-podding, drying and bagging up. Very interesting this, especially if this drought cycle continues for more seasons. A lot of the Ozzies out there would know about rosella already.

 

The rice harvest has been awful. 50% down for many and and some such as us simply wiped out. Must give rosella some serious thought.

 

++++++++

 

The music has stopped. Everything packed away, and it's quiet again. Until the next birth, death, jump the broom (sorry wrong part of the world) or decent lottery win.

 

That's it for today guys. 

Great info. I married a farm girl who loves everything to do growing thing, so will need to talk to her about what you are doing.

[GreasyFingers]

7 hours ago, Outbackoz said:

Thanks for for the insight of life as you perceive it. Also had problems propagating Avo's from seed (normally done through tissue culture in Aust) took a while to get it right with immature plants post sprouting. Had brought some Shepherd Avo's back from oz and used a similar method for propagation with about a 30% success rate.   Growth was a little slower than expected but this one about 18 months old now 

Do not know what the wife has done but her avocado grown from seed, and planted are over a metre high in 1 year (sorry no recent pics). whether we get fruit is another matter.

[Guest]

Well written and a good read ... plus ... I learned something new!  rosella!  Interesting ...

[sirineou]

9 hours ago, sunnyboy2018 said:

People seem to think of Issan as village life. I have been to Issan many times but never been to a village. Just the towns and cities.

 

9 hours ago, EVENKEEL said:

My first time in Isaan I thought it was great, did the farang dance with land and house. I was still working so only stayed for 2 mos at a time. As time went by realized I wouldn't make this my retirement home, my reasoning was that I've worked too hard all my life to settle for this.....this being living in a rice paddie. Don't get me wrong, a lot of good hard working people. I didn't have to move to Thailand to live in the country, I grew up in the country, I have property in the country in the US. I would like to be nearer things that interest me, going to see a movie in English if I choose plus I love living near the sea.

 

Anyway, school for our daughter was becoming a topic of concern. Long story short we moved south to a little fishing village close to a nice beach, good schools, the move was for me as much as it was for our daughter. Plus, I'm a good 11 hrs by car away from THE family.

 That's the wonderful thing about Issan and particularly Khon Kaen where I am.

I live a couple of Kilometers outside the ring road . I haven't timed it but I would say it takes 15 min (maybe a litle  less /litle more) from my house to Central Plaza mall. Our house is in the outskirts of the village , To look outside your window you would think you are in deep Issan, and yet a short walk or ride on the motocy and you are at the convenience store in the village, 10-15 min to Mittepab road and everything a big city has to offer. Five minutes from our house to  a small farm my FIl worked on after his retirement , he passed away a couple of years ago, I will do something with it when I retire in the next few months.

IMO Living in Issan you can have the best of both worlds. LOVE IT!!!

View from my balcony 

 

 

 

[sirineou]

sorry replied to the wrong person, my apologies

[sirineou]

2 hours ago, owl sees all said:

 

They seem to be growing Great! did you put something in the water?? How old are they?

[jimn]

Each to his own life I suppose. But living in Issan like the OP sounds like a living version of hell. I take my wife up to the village twice a year and only spend 1 night there in a hotel. I cant wait to get away from the village. If she wants to see her family more I encourage her to go alone on the bus.

[sirineou]

Just now, jimn said:

Each to his own life I suppose. But living in Issan like the OP sounds like a living version of hell. I take my wife up to the village twice a year and only spend 1 night there in a hotel. I cant wait to get away from the village. If she wants to see her family more I encourage her to go alone on the bus.

Different strokes for different folks. Not better not worse just different.

I retired from working in NYC , if I never see New York again it will be too soon, others can't wait to go there.

[Isaanbiker]

6 hours ago, thaibeachlovers said:

'cause more girls from Issan are hooking in Pattaya than any other province?

Isaan is 33 % of Thailand's area.